Happy Birthday Emma!

Happy 9th Birthday my very sweet girl! 9 years ago today, you came into our lives, and our life has never been the same. You are sweet and you are spunky, you are our little firecracker and things are never boring with you around. Daddy and I love you so much more than you could ever know. Have a super-fantastic birthday today! xox

Love,

Mommy

Off to the American Girl Place . . .

Well we're off, very shortly anyway. Tomorrow is Emma's birthday so we are going to the American Girl Place in Los Angeles. Last year we went for both Savannah and Emma's birthdays since they are just a month apart. It was just the three of us. This year we are bringing Daddy, Landon, Aunt "Robbie" and Cousin Maycee. Aunt Robbie has never been and I am totally excited to give her the American Girl experience. (If you're a girl, you will love it no matter what your age.) It was a blast last year and will be even better this year. I'll let you know how it all turns out tomorrow or Monday.

Enjoy your weekend,

Michelle

Remembering Grandma Magee . . .

Grandma,

Today would have been your 72nd birthday. The kids and I talk about you all of the time. They miss you. So do I. I could never have asked for a better mother in-law. You made me feel more like a daughter than a daughter in-law.

This is about the time of year that you would call me and ask for the kids shoes sizes. Soon afterwards they would each get a package in the mail with a brand new pair of Saltwater Sandals inside. It was almost like the beginning of summer had arrived once they received those shoes. Each summer they looked forward to spending alone time with you and Grandpa. You spoiled them rotten while they were there; buying them little goodies and letting them eat anything their little hearts desired. (All of the things we never let let them do at home.) Kevin and I may have tried to act tough about it (yeah right), but secretly we smiled. After all, that is what grandparents are for.

I used to love to watch you at Christmas time. You loved to give gifts. You always went overboard because of this, but it was something that was a part of you. I enjoyed watching your face as each person opened their gift from you. I am not sure who was more delighted; you or them.

The Christmas after you left us just a few short years ago arrived shortly after your earthly departure. Michelle had lovingly wrapped gifts for each of us; things that you wanted us to have. I cried my eyeballs out when I opened my gift to find the wedding ring inside that you wore everyday. I can still recall the way your hands looked with that ring on your finger. I wear it proudly now, and it is a way for me to hold you closely to my heart. If I still long for you as much as I do, I cannot imagine how Kevin and Michelle also feel. I do know there is now a hole in their heart that can never be filled.

Our lives are just not the same without you now, but we look forward to one day seeing you because we know you are in a much better place where your heart is now whole. Happy Birthday Mom/Grandma/Toni/Pinky. We miss miss you and love you so very much!

Love,

Michelle

A full heart . . .

Today was our first day of spring break. We had decided to *maybe* see a movie but there wasn't much out there worth seeing so the kids and I decided to go to lunch and head over to the Christian book store. They all brought their money which had been mostly earned through their chores. All of them had decided that they wanted to get paid at the beginning of each month so that it would seem as if they had more money then if they were paid weekly. The kids also tithe and save on their earnings. We are trying to teach them to be good stewards of their money.

It touched my heart when I was presented with the little glass angel from Emma and the cross birthstone necklace from Landon. I had a lump in my throat as I received their gifts of love. Gifts from money that was hard earned by each of them. I knew that they had spend every last penny on me. Money that I wish they had kept for themselves. And yet I am completely humbled by their unselfish attitudes; it is a reminder to be more like them.

My heart is full.

xo,

Michelle